If high interest rates are prompting you to stay in your current home, you’re not alone. For many individuals, now doesn’t feel like the best time to sell and look for something new, but that doesn’t mean you need to keep your home as-is if it’s not functioning in a way that truly serves you and your family . Thankfully, there are a variety of impactful home renovations you can take on right now that will help your space look and feel better, while not breaking the bank.
1. Refinish Hardwood Floors
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If your hardwood floors have seen better days, but you don’t want to pay the price to completely replace them, refinishing is a great option. Refinishing hardwood floors can be a challenging and time-intensive task, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be costly. When carried out by professionals, the overall cost of refinishing, which includes sanding and staining, typically ranges from $3 to $8 per square foot. Opting for a do-it-yourself approach can reduce the expense around you $500 to $1,000 (excluding the cost of machinery).
2. Replace Kitchen Countertops
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Even if a full kitchen remodel may not be in the budget right now, there are several smaller projects to make your kitchen look and feel brand new, one of which is replacing the countertops. Opting for ceramic or porcelain tile proves to be a cost-effective choice, ranging from $5 to $30 per square foot. This option is DIY-friendly as long as you’re willing to invest the time for installation and upkeep. Laminate countertops, although slightly pricier at an average of $25 per square footare sold in a versatile selection of colors and styles, so you’ll likely be able to find something to suit your design aesthetic.
3. Upgrade Kitchen Appliances
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Upgrading essential kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers can be fairly affordable. Depending on the brand, the time of year that you purchase and any discounts available for purchasing multiple appliances at once, you can save up to $1,500 just by being strategic and asking the right questions. Consider asking to buy a floor model and don’t forget to shop around for the best price. If you find a cheaper price elsewhere, keep in mind that many retailers will be willing to price match.
4. Replace a Shower
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Does your bathroom feel dull or outdated? Bring it new life by replacing your shower. For an all-in-one easy solution, prefabricated shower kits are available and have all the necessary components for assembling a complete shower. These can be purchased for around $1,000 or less. Looking for some inspiration? These walk-in shower before and afters are sure to help you plan your own shower remodel.
5. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
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Changing the look and feel of your house may be as easy as updating the exterior with some new paint. The cost for professional exterior painting of a two-story house typically starts around the corner $3,000. If you choose to do it yourself, expect to pay between $500 and $1,000, taking into account the size of your house and the necessary supplies. If you’re not ready to tackle the entire paint job, you might opt for repainting just the trim. This alternative is more affordable and requires less effort but can still make a big impact when it comes to freshening up the look of your home.
NOTE: Without the proper time, tools and expertise, exterior house painting can be a dangerous task as it involves being high up on a ladder. If you don’t feel safe or comfortable tackling this project alone, we recommend hiring a professional painter to do this job for you.